Legacy

Chapter 12: Out of the Hospital

I thought that the hospital was the most wonderful place in the world. But that was just because I hadn't seen how big the city is.

All this space. My view completely unobstructed by trees. People everywhere.

Even though I know that Michael is still out there somewhere, it's comforting to know that I am not alone. That if I scream, there are people around who will help me. All I have to do is stay close to Mason and keep a firm hold on my son's hand.

The cold winter air feels so fresh and clean, despite the smell of the city. It was definitely close to freezing in the basement, but at least I have a coat now. And it's just a short walk over to Mason's car.

The fact that the guy went ahead and put a car seat in the back reassures me that Robin and I are not a burden. This is the kind of thing you do only for family.

After buckling my son into his car seat, I settle myself into the passenger side for the ride to Mason's house.

It's nice to be back in a car with a friend again. Not just someone who is simply doing their job.

I felt safe when I was in the car with Detective Carter, right after I was rescued. Now I feel at ease. As if there isn't a single thing that can go wrong now. This would probably be how my life would be if I had never been abducted in the first place.

Well... at least one good thing came out of the last five years. I wouldn't dream of trading Robin for anything.

My hand goes to my belly as I remember the other little bit of Michael I have with me. That I will always have with me...

"September." Mason's voice suddenly cuts through my thoughts. "You okay?" When I glance over, his face is drawn with so much concern that he hasn't even shifted gears yet.

"Uh- yeah, I'm fine." I try to smile, but I can tell by the look on his face that it's not very convincing.

"If you're not comfortable talking about things with me, we can find you a professional." He puts the car into drive and merges into traffic. "But, you know... I'm here. If you need to talk, or..."

Mason's here... and he is not pushing me to talk. Michael always made me talk, and I had to tell the detectives everything. Verbal silence is sort of nice. Not complete silence, like what the basement was. The sound of the city all around us is actually a little bit comforting, even with the occasional blare of a car horn or the screech of tires.

"I know. I'll tell you everything. Just not yet..." I sigh and lean back in my seat. "I just need some time to put everything behind me. Or maybe I just need to know that he won't come after me again."

After us.

"I'm not gonna lie and tell you he won't. 'Cause I really don't know." He glances at me for a moment before looking back at the car in front of us. "These guys... they're unpredictable. But I won't let him get to you."

"I know you won't. But I'm not the only one I'm worried about." I glance back at Robin in his car seat for a brief moment. He's too distracted by a picture book to notice my attention.

"Your son is safe too," Mason assures me when he notices my attention to the back seat.

"Michael has killed more people than I even know of. I wouldn't put it past him to kill more to get to me and Robin." I thump the back of my head against the headrest. "I know his idea of love is complete and utter bull. But he really thinks he loves Robin. And he really thought he loved me."

"That's why he didn't kill you."

"I know. His original plan was to get rid of me after baby boy was born. But he didn't. He gave me a choice and I chose to live."

A small smile crosses Mason's lips. "I'm glad you did. Not just for you. But for that little boy back there."

"Yeah. At least one good thing came out of these past five years." I glance down at my tummy and rub it softly, even though I don't feel anything yet. "Well. I guess it's really more like two good things now..."

"You scared? Of having another kid?"

A fair question. But I hear the other, way more serious question that he won't dare to ask.

Are you scared of having another one of his kids?

"There are millions of other things in this world to be scared of. Another baby is nothing compared to what I've seen." I heave a sigh and enjoy the heat blowing on me. It's a relief compared to the icy wind howling outside, blowing old newspapers and trash across the road. "And I've seen plenty."

If there was ever an example of an understatement... that's it. In fact it might be a prime example in a dictionary.

"Yeah. But luckily, there are only good times ahead." The tone he uses is more hopeful than factual.

"Do you know where I can get a job?" I ask. "Grocery? Maid? Waitre-"

"Let me stop you right there," he doesn't even hesitate. "It's only December. How about you take this month to enjoy the holidays, enjoy your time with us." When I narrow my eyes at him he says "You need to recover. How about we get you applied to some jobs and you can start in the new year?"

I think for a moment. "Okay. Fair compromise. You've got a deal." I fold my arms across my chest. "But you're not going to stop me from paying you back for everything once I'm on my feet."

Mason huffs a laugh. "Nice to know you're still stubborn as hell." A real smile- no. A grin. He is beaming. "Same old Sep."

I laugh. Actually laugh.

Just like old times.